How to Make a Budget TV Stand

Buying a television stand can be an added expense that you would rather avoid. Many designer stands can be expensive compared to other furniture of a similar size. A cheap television stand can be made in one afternoon, however, with a little do-it-yourself knowledge. Build this television stand with two compartments for television equipment or DVD storage and see whether your neighbors can guess how much it cost.

Instructions

1

Measure 33 inches from one end of the plywood sheet and draw a line across the width. Measure 33-inches from this line and draw another line across the width. Use a carpenter's square to make sure the lines are true.

2

Cut the plywood along the pencil lines with the saw. If you do not have a work bench, place the plywood on a solid table and ask a friend to help hold it in place as you make the cuts. Lay the two pieces on top of each other on the ground so that they are lined up exactly.

3

Measure 16-1/2 inches along the length to find the exact center and draw a line across the width. Use the carpenter's square to make sure the line is at right angles. Mark three points along the line at 6-inch intervals.

4

Measure 1 inch from the end of the plywood and draw a line across the width. Do this at the opposite end too. Measure three points at 6-inch intervals along each line. You should now have three lines drawn across the top sheet with three marked points each.

5

Drill each of the nine marked points using the No. 3 drill bit. Drill all the way through the bottom sheet of plywood, ensuring that both pieces are lined up exactly. Be careful as the drill bit will poke through the bottom sheet. Do the drilling outside or lay the plywood on some old insulating foam to stop the drill damaging your floor.

6

Take the leftover piece of plywood and measure and mark two lines at 10 inches and 20 inches along its length. Cut the plywood at the marks so that you have three pieces each 10 inches in length.

7

Apply glue to one edge of a 10-inch piece of plywood. Stand one large sheet of plywood on its side, you may have to lean it against something temporarily. Line the glued edge of the 10-inch piece up with the holes drilled along one edge and push together. Insert a wood screw into the middle hole and fix the two pieces together. The two pieces should be joined together in an "L" shape.

8

Take another 10-inch piece and apply glue along one edge. Align it with the center holes of the "L" shape and secure with a screw through the middle hole. Apply glue to the third 10-inch piece and align with the remaining holes and secure with one screw in the middle hole. The plywood should now be assembled in an "E" shape.

9

Apply glue to the exposed edge of each 10-inch piece of plywood. Align the remaining large sheet up so that the glued edges cover the drilled holes. Secure in place by putting one screw in the middle hole at each section.

10

Check that the whole assembly is square at each corner using the carpenter's square. Insert screws into the remaining holes and tighten opposite corners using the square to ensure everything remains at right angles. Allow the glue to dry for the recommended time, stated on the container, before standing the assembly upright.